Virginia Trail User Fees in State Parks

This is just a reminder that the new law which allows the Virginia State Forest system to charge a recreational user fee for all horseback riding and biking in Virginia State Forests is now in effect. Please be sure to purchase your licenses so that you are in compliance. The link for on line purchases is embedded in the press release below.

They are being sold as an add-on to the state hunting and fishing licenses. Note that a $1 surcharge has been added so the actual cost is $16, not $15 as mentioned in the press release. This has been done because the Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries is administering the program for the Dept. of Forestry (DOF).

If you are purchasing the VA Forest Fee as an add on to the hunting and fishing licence please be sure to select the special license box "Virginia State Forest Use Permit." The state will be able to track how many of these are sold so that we will be to obtain an impact analysis at the end of the year.

You can make your purchase either on-line or at any location that sells hunting and fishing licenses. The special licenses will help the DOF to develop a small funding source for trail and trailhead improvements. This effort will by no means replace the trail volunteer efforts that are already established in the many of the Forests.

Sally Aungier
Boards:
Virginia Horse Council
Trails & Greenways Task Force, Virginia Outdoors Plan
Southeastern Equestrian Trails Conference (SETC)
Powhatan Riding Association
Friends of Powhatan State Park

News Release: June 29, 2009
Contact: John Campbell 434.220.9070 or 434.989.0665, VDOF, 09022

Certain Recreational Activities in Virginia's State Forests Will Require A State Forest Use Permit Beginning July 1, 2009

During this year's legislative session, the Virginia General Assembly passed a new law requiring certain recreational users of the Commonwealth's State Forests to purchase an annual permit. This law goes into effect Wednesday, July 1st. The State Forest Use Permit is required for anyone 16 years and older who hunts, fishes, traps, rides mountain bikes or horses in one of Virginia's 19 State Forests. Anyone walking, hiking or canoeing will not need the Use Permit.

The new Use Permit replaces the state forest license that used to be required of those hunting or trapping on the state forests. Obtaining a Use Permit is a new requirement for those who fish or ride horses or mountain bikes in the state forests. The State Forest Use Permit is valid for all five activities. This State Forest Use Permit does not apply to our national forests, national parks, state parks or state-managed wildlife management areas.

The Use Permit, which costs $15 annually, is good for one year following its purchase. All funds generated by the Use Permit will go toward enhancing recreational opportunities on the State Forests. Since the founding of Virginia's first state forest (Prince Edward - Gallion State Forest) in 1919, the state forests have been self-supporting entities - meaning they receive no tax dollars. Now, with 19 state forests in the system and increased demand for recreational use by Virginia's citizens, the system cannot rely solely on the sale of timber on just the three largest forests to provide enough funding to operate, maintain and improve the entire system of 19 state forests - hence the need for the new Use Permit.

The State Forest Use Permit is available online at http://secure01.virginiainteractive.org/horf or at authorized retailers who sell the Virginia state hunting license.

Copy of amended regulation:
CHAPTER 297
An Act to amend and reenact Section 10.1-1152
of the Code of Virginia, relating to forestry permits to fish and ride mountain bikes and horses. [S 1473] Approved March 27, 2009

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That Section 10.1-1152 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
Section 10.1-1152

. State Forester may require permits and fees.
A. The State Forester is authorized, with the approval of the Board, to require any person who hunts, fishes, or traps, rides mountain bikes, or rides horses on any of the lands described in Section 10.1-1151 to obtain a special use permit or special use permits. Permits to hunt. A special use permit to engage in these activities on any such lands shall be issued for a fee, not to exceed $15 annually for each permit, as fixed by the State Forester. Permits to trap on such lands may be issued in combination with the hunting permits, or separately, at a fee not to exceed $15 annually for each such permit, to be fixed by the State Forester.

B. The State Forester is also authorized to enter into an agreement with the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries under which the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries will include permits required under subsection A in its program for the sale of permits and licenses by the means and to the extent authorized by Section 29.1-327 .